The Policyholder Podcast: Presented by SDV Fenchurch

In this episode of the Meet the Team Series, we’re joined by Phil Taylor, Insurance Consultant in our Leeds office. 

Phil reflects on a career spanning more than 40 years in insurance, covering claims handling, loss adjusting, insurance broking and his current role at Fenchurch Law.

Phil discusses what motivates him when helping policyholders navigate complex claims, the importance of trust, communication and practical problem-solving, and shares valuable lessons learned throughout his career. 

Away from insurance, Phil talks about his lifelong passion for Leeds United, his time coaching junior football, and playing rhythm guitar in a covers band 

In this episode, we’re joined by Catrin Wyn Williams, an Associate in our Financial and Professional Risks team and a member of our Leeds office.

Catrin shares her journey from studying English and Philosophy at Queen's University Belfast to building a career in insurance law, including valuable secondments with both Aon and Hiscox. She discusses why she made the move from defendant work to representing policyholders, the lessons she has learned from working closely with brokers and insurers, and the importance of tailoring advice to the needs of different clients.

Away from the office, Catrin reflects on her Welsh roots, growing up speaking Welsh as her first language, her training as a classical mezzo-soprano, and the surprising parallels between performing on stage and presenting legal arguments.

In this episode of the Fenchurch Law Meet the Team podcast, we're joined by Associate Chloe Franklin, a member of Fenchurch Law's Construction and Property Risks team based in Leeds.

We discuss Chloe's return from maternity leave, her experience of settling back into work, and why becoming a mother has made her far more patient than she ever expected. The conversation also explores her unique career journey through insurer claims handling and broking before qualifying as a solicitor, and how that experience continues to shape her approach to policyholder insurance disputes today.

Chloe also discusses one of the most memorable cases she has worked on at Fenchurch Law, the landmark World Challenge case, before sharing why the Leeds office continues to be known for its unrivalled team spirit and good vibes.

In this episode, we are joined by Fenchurch Law’s Senior Partner and co‑founder, David Pryce, for a conversation that explores the origins, values and future ambitions of the firm.

David reflects on founding Fenchurch Law in 2010, including the story behind the firm’s name, his early career in insurance coverage disputes, and the “sliding doors” moments that led him to build the UK’s first law firm focused exclusively on representing policyholders. He also shares key milestones from the firm’s 15‑year journey, from top‑tier rankings to international expansion and the recent transition to employee ownership.

The episode also offers insight into the culture David has helped shape at Fenchurch Law and, of course, there’s time for a few lighter moments too, including Beatles albums, Arsenal, and David’s passion for ultramarathon running.

Dru is joined by Will Bennett, a Partner in SDV’s West Coast office, to discuss his career, the firm’s evolution, and the shared mission underpinning SDV’s partnership with Fenchurch Law.

Will reflects on SDV’s remarkable growth, what initially drew him to insurance coverage work, how U.S. courts approach policy interpretation, and the procedural contrasts between U.S. and UK litigation—topics he recently explored in greater depth with Joanna Grant during their comparative webinar.

The conversation also covers Will’s recent travels to Scandinavia, his impressions of London, and the distinctive quirks of Lloyd’s drafting and bespoke policies. To round things off, Will offers a glimpse into life in Southern California, from surfing and hiking to playing the mandolin.

In this special episode, we sit down with Jeremiah M. Welch, Managing Partner of SDV’s West Coast office, to discuss the growing partnership between Fenchurch Law and Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C. (SDV)—one of the leading U.S. firms dedicated exclusively to policyholder insurance coverage.

Jeremiah shares how our firms first connected, why the partnership felt “eerily aligned” from day one, and how cross‑jurisdiction collaboration is strengthening support for policyholders globally. He also reflects on his own path into coverage law, offers insights into Builders Risk, his military background and provides a U.S. perspective on Lloyd’s of London.

Throughout the conversation, we explore how international knowledge‑sharing can drive better outcomes for policyholders everywhere.

In this special episode, we’re joined by someone who played a defining role in Fenchurch Law’s early story: Rob Fink, co‑founder of the firm alongside David Pryce back in 2010. 

Rob reflects on the early days of building a specialist policyholder firm, the values that shaped its culture, and the lessons learned during nearly a decade helping establish Fenchurch Law as a trusted name in the sector.

Listeners will also hear the remarkable story behind Rob’s bold career pivot in 2018, when he stepped away from legal practice to focus full‑time on his new venture: Big Drop Brewing Co., now a globally recognised pioneer in award‑winning alcohol‑free beer. 

Meet Chris Ives, a Partner in Fenchurch Law’s Leeds office.

Chris discusses joining Fenchurch Law in 2024, his background in financial lines, D&O and coverage work, and his expertise in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) insurance—explaining why it’s a growing and exciting area. He also reflects on his experience working on both insurer and policyholder matters, and what ultimately drew him to Fenchurch Law.

The conversation then turns to life in the Leeds office and the importance of building a strong presence beyond London. Outside of work, listeners will enjoy hearing about Chris’ love of the countryside, cycling, family life, Italy, the Scottish Highlands, and the annual festival he hosts at his home.

In this episode, Dru talks to Michael Robin, Partner in the London office, to reflect on a career that spans nearly five decades at the forefront of insurance and professional liability law.

Michael looks back on his journey founding Robin Simon, one of the most respected niche insurance firms in the market. He shares the remarkable story of how his insurance practice began with a small office in Lloyd’s during the early 90s – and how a chance encounter helped shape the path that followed.

The conversation also covers Michael’s move to Fenchurch Law in 2023, his shift from acting for insurers to representing policyholders, and why the human impact of claims work matters more than ever when a company’s survival is on the line.

In this episode, we introduce Emily Clarke, our Operations and Business Development Assistant based in the Leeds office. Emily offers a behind-the-scenes look at her diverse role, her journey to joining Fenchurch Law, and her key contributions to organising major firm events, including the Symposia and wine tastings. Along the way, listeners can enjoy quick-fire questions and a love of Yorkshire.